What To Expect
Qualifying
Qualifying for the ZASDC is as simple as filling in this form!
Our intention behind this is to make our competition as accessible to as many students as possible, any competitions/events open for applications will be detailed in this form.
If you have any questions or would like to reach out please contact us.
National Finals
💡 Tip: expect long hours, creative debates, and bursts of genius!
The South African Space Design Competition (ZASDC) National Final is an immersive two-day industry simulation where high-school learners form fictional companies to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) from a fictional space organisation, The Foundation Society.
Over an action-packed weekend, teams design futuristic space settlements - developing concepts for structures, life-support systems, automation, human factors, and business strategy.
It’s intense, exciting, and unforgettable — combining engineering, design, and creativity with the thrill of teamwork, leadership, and presentation under pressure.
Event Format
Day 1 – Arrival
Teams receive the official RFP and are assigned company roles. The focus is on collaboration, brainstorming, and developing a unified settlement design. Company meetings, whiteboard planning, CAD sketches, PowerPoint prep.
Day 2 – Briefing & Design
Teams receive the official RFP and are assigned company roles. The focus is on collaboration, brainstorming, and developing a unified settlement design. Company meetings, whiteboard planning, CAD sketches, PowerPoint prep.
Day 3 – Presentation & Judging
Teams finalise their designs and present to a panel of judges drawn from industry and academia. Slide presentations, Q&A sessions, networking, awards.
How your company works
Each company includes 5 departments: Structures, Operations, Human Factors, Mission Systems, and Business & Marketing.
You will elect a leadership team to help organise the company; they’ll ensure that you’re all working together to meet the tight deadlines and create a unified proposal.
The Atmosphere
Expect a fast-paced, collaborative environment filled with energy, creativity, and discovery. You’ll brainstorm, prototype, and problem-solve alongside students from across South Africa — supported by mentors from universities and industry.
There’s music, laughter, late-night planning, and a huge sense of accomplishment when your company finally presents. You’ll leave inspired and amazed at what your team achieved in just two days.
✅ Real-world experience in teamwork, leadership, and communication
✅ Insight into engineering and design thinking
✅ Confidence in public speaking and pitching ideas
✅ New friends and lifelong connections across South Africa
✅ And the chance to represent South Africa internationally at the ISSDC in Florida!